Days after the Mahayuti win in Maharashtra, the path to the government formation became clearer on Wednesday, with a BJP Chief Minister leading the NDA alliance with the support of two deputies, each from the constituting alliance partners.

Devendra Fadnavis is set to take oath as the Maharashtra Chief Minister for the third time on Thursday. In a press conference on Wednesday, Fadnavis said that Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde and NCP leader Ajit Pawar had handed the letter of support recommending Fadnavis for the post of Chief Minister. 

Shinde and Ajit Pawar also shared a light-hearted moment during the press conference over the swearing-in ceremony. 

On the question of whether Eknath Shinde will be taking oath as Deputy CM, the Shiv Sena leader said, “I just said it. Devendra Ji has said it. I am also saying… Wait for some time. Will till tomorrow. The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled tomorrow.”

#WATCH | Mumbai: When asked if he and NCP chief Ajit Pawar will also take oath as Deputy CMs tomorrow, Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde says, “Wait till evening…”

Replying to Shinde, NCP chief Ajit Pawar says, “Sham tak unka samaj aayega, I will take it (oath), I will not wait.”… pic.twitter.com/ZPfgg6Knco

— ANI (@ANI) December 4, 2024

Meanwhile, Ajit Pawar interrupted Shiv Sena leader saying “Wait till (tomorrow) evening. But I am going to take oath tomorrow.” The leaders burst into laughter following Pawar’s reaction. 

But Shinde was quick to retort that Ajit Dada is experienced in taking oaths in both the morning and evening, referring to the 2019 episode, evoking laughter from the gathering.

Shinde’s jibe was at the 2019 political slugfest in Maharashtra where Ajit Pawar, with the support of some NCP MLAs, joined hands with BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis and took oath as the Deputy Chief Minister, along with Fadnavis as the Chief Minister.